AI Architect - 1545

SARA, Inc. • Full-time • Colorado Springs, CO • 1w ago

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

SARA, Inc.is seeking an experienced AI Architect to architect and implement organization-wide AI capability out of our Colorado Springs, CO location. The primary responsibility focuses on secure onsite/private LLM deployments, enterprise data integration, and scalable adoption across business functions. This leader will define, deploy, and maintain enterprise AI operating models – spanning platform architecture, governance, evaluation standards, and production lifecycle management – ensuring AI solutions are reliable, compliant, and aligned to business priorities.

The AI Architect will work closely with executive leadership, IT, cybersecurity, data owners, and external partners to deliver AI-enabled workflows that improve decision-making, automate routine analysis, and increase efficiency. Success will be measured by adoption, business value realization, and sustainable production operations rather than isolated prototypes.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as internal AI program owner for all enterprise AI initiatives
Define AI strategy, roadmap, and success metrics aligned to business goals
Lead requirements definition for onsite and private LLM deployments
Oversee external AI consultants and vendors; ensure delivery accountability
Evaluate and select AI tools, LLMs, platforms, and architectures
Design and oversee RAG pipelines, model hosting, and inference workflows
Ensure AI systems meet security, privacy, and governance standards
Partner with IT, cybersecurity, and technical teams
Drive AI pilots into production-ready solutions
Develop AI usage guidelines and guardrails
Lead internal AI training and adoption efforts
Monitor AI performance, risks, and ROI over time

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field
8 – 10 years of professional experience in AI, data science, or related field
5+ years of experience leading complex technical initiatives
Demonstrated experience deploying and maintaining AI systems
Experience managing external consulting partners
Proven ability to deliver systems beyond proof-of-concept
Strong understanding of LLMs and generative AI concepts
Experience with:
- LLM deployment (open-source and/or proprietary)
- RAG architectures and vector databases
- AI infrastructure (on-prem, private cloud, or hybrid)
- enterprise data systems (SQL databases, etc.)
- authentication/authorization methods and implementation
- evaluation/monitoring tools for LLM’s and accompanying hardware
Familiarity with AI tooling ecosystems (e.g., Open WebUI, LangChain, LlamaIndex)
Familiarity with Model Context Protocol (MCP) and client-server architecture
Familiarity with Model and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Management
Familiarity with authentication and security (JWT, OAuth, LDAP, API Key Mgmt)
Understanding of GPU infrastructure and cost tradeoffs
Strong data governance and security awareness
Light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in related field
10 – 12 years of professional experience in deploying and maintaining AI systems
Experience deploying onsite or air-gapped AI systems
Background in Government Contracting and/or IP-sensitive environments
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Experience with high-level IT network and systems architecture
AI product management or AI platform ownership
PMP, Agile, or similar program management certification

Key Attributes

Technically credible and hands-on
Strong communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
Pragmatic and outcomes-focused (not hype-driven)
Comfortable pushing back on vendors and consultants
Trusted advisor to executive leadership

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, and other supplemental programs
A generous PTO program
Tuition & certification reimbursement
Flexible work schedules
Employee bonuses
401(k) match
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $145,000 to $180,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: February 19, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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